Midfielder David Bayles reckons Shildon will never have a better chance of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup.

As Shildon prepare to take on Stocksbridge tomorrow, Bayles said: "I believe we have a great chance of winning, taking in to consideration the way we are playing at the moment, and the fact that the lads are really fired up for it.

"It's going to be a great day for everybody concerned.

"If we can play anything like we can and give a good account of ourselves, then I fancy our chances.

"But we must remember that Stocksbridge will be thinking the same as us. There is nobody left in the competition from below our level, and just like us, they'll be relieved that they missed the Conference clubs. It will be a tight game.

"On paper, Shirebrook was supposed to be an easy game, but it was nothing like that."

Bayles, who was with Bishop Auckland when they reached the second round proper in 1988, thinks that team spirit will be a key factor.

"We have a fantastic team spirit. At Shirebrook we were 1-0 down, rolled our sleeves up and battled for each other. We did the same at Frickley in the second qualifying round, and at home to Workington in the preliminary.

"There is plenty of experience in the team, players who have played in the UniBond League and above.

"But we must try to forget about the possibility of getting through to the first round. When I was at Bishop Auckland, we got through to the quarter finals of the Trophy, and because we had good home form, we fancied our chances over a two legged semi final. But instead we lost to Gloucester, and our chance went."

Striker Garry Barnes, the club's leading scorer, is expected to be fit after recovering from a hamstring injury.